Yellow Eyes, an elder of the Metis Nation,
who was taught by his grand uncle Hurley Julian,
has been making sacred and ceremonial pieces
for Native and Non-Native people for thirty years,
and is one of the few people still making them
in the old traditional way.
His pieces can be seen in many Native ceremonies
and in galleries and private collections throughout the world.
Including an Artic fox Sachem Staff
and Artic Fox Medicine Wheel in the Smithsonian.
Traditional pieces created by Yellow Eyes were also
used in the movie "Dances with Wolves".

The Metis are a proud, independent race of people,
known in Canada as the New Nation.
Mostly of French-Cree-Assiniboine-Blackfoot heritage,
they were considered the best horsemen, fighters and
traders on the frontier.
The Metis are a Canadian Native Nation with both Native and European blood.
They created their own distinct culture by taking elements from both and used them to forge a new and vivid whole.
Officially the Metis first came into being when French fur trappers married into native Canadian tribes.
In 1982 the Canadian government recognised them as a Northern Plains tribe and today they form part
of the 600-Nation native coalition in Canada.
Throughout the years they led most of the Native Independence movements in Canada.

The Metis Lodge Shield is a traditional piece
used to protect the home.
Like the Medicine Wheel it is always in a circle
to represent the never-ending life cycle.
It can be produced in different styles: a whole circle
in wild leather (moose, deer, or elk), a half circle in fur and leather, or a whole fur circle, like the passing phases of the moon. The fur used honors the spiritual power of the animal.
The wild turkey feathers connect prayers to the creator.
On the feathers are four red thunder dots to honor the ancestors and the four directions of the universe.
This one is made of traditional materials.
Deerskin, pine martin, wild turkey feathers, crow beads,
and red trade wool.
At the center is a slice of elkhorn to honor mother Earth.
The medicine bag contains cedar, sage, and tobacco.
The Sachem Wand is used in conjunction with the Lodge shield. But where the shield is a constant protection for the home.

The Sachem wand is traditionally used by the leader of the clan or tribe for guidance and protection.
It usually is made from the fur of the totem animal of the clan. In this case the fur is pine martin,
A clever provider for his family.

The craftsmanship is fantastic,
as would be expected from a well known artist
who has been making similar items for 30 years.
But these are not just pretty hangings for your wall
Though they are welcomed in the Smithsonian.
They are true Native Indian "tools of power and purpose".
The Sachem wand also is used to indicate who has the floor
during discussions of consensus.
Not a bad idea for keeping peace in the family.

More information about all the traditional meanings
will be sent with the Items.

Some other description factors.
The wand is 12" long.
The shield is 10 & 1/2" x 9"
Click on the pictures for closeup detail.

Custom orders encouraged. 
Other traditional items by special order.
May be limited as to available furs.

Please Contact the artist
Dan Julian by phone 
to negotiate purchases at:
(541)-964-3003